Introduced Version
HOUSE
RESOLUTION No. ___
Introduced by: Rhoads
____________________________________
A RESOLUTION urging the legislative council to
establish an interim study committee to study the adequacy of
current whistle blower protection for nursing home employees
as contained in IC 22-5-3 and IC 16-28-9.
Whereas, Nursing home employees perform a critical role
in providing quality care to patients;
Whereas, The relationship between the provider and the
patient or patient's guardian is critical to ensuring that
adequate care is delivered;
Whereas, The Attorney General has indicated that the
current statute does not provide adequate whistle blower
protection for nursing home employees; and
Whereas, No employer has been prosecuted under
IC 22-5-3-3, and the state department of health has never
investigated a complaint under IC 16-28-9-3, which raises
questions about the effectiveness of these statutes and the
general awareness among nursing home employees that the
remedies listed in these statutes are available: Therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the
General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
SECTION 1. That the legislative council is urged to establish an
interim study committee to study the adequacy of current whistle
blower protection for nursing home employees as contained in
IC 22-5-3 and IC 16-28-9.
SECTION 2. That the committee, if established, shall operate
under the direction of the legislative council, and that the committee
shall issue a final report when directed to do so by the council.